CAPTAIN MOXEY - Long Island

Captain Moxey isn't your typical deep wreck; it's practically a wading pool at two metres. But don't let the shallows fool you. This isn't some broken-up pile of metal. We're talking about a proper, mostly intact wooden schooner from the Prohibition era, scuttled after a chase. Sliding into the warm, bath-like water, you're immediately looking down onto the deck. The hull’s still there, barnacle-encrusted, and in places you can peer right into what would have been the cargo hold. Sunlight just floods the whole scene, giving everything a golden glow, making it easy to spot the big schools of snapper that call the wreck home. We've seen nurse sharks napping under the bow, and often find barracuda hovering with that classic stoic look. It's a fantastic spot for a long, relaxed snorkel or a super shallow dive. Perfect for photographers, or when you just want a low-key afternoon exploring history without the pressure of depth.

Location
Long Island, Bahamas, Caribbean
Coordinates
23.443333, -76.203330
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
2m

Wreck History - CAPTAIN MOXEY

Vessel Type
unknown
Cause
grounding

The history of the Captain Moxey is shrouded in mystery, but its present-day status is crystal clear: it's a fantastic and highly accessible dive and snorkel site. Resting in the shallow, turquoise waters off Long Island in the Bahamas, the wreck lies at a mere 2 meters deep. Its upper structures break the surface, making it easily visible from a boat and creating a dramatic silhouette against the sun. Its shallow grave strongly suggests it ran aground on the nearby reefs.

This wreck is an underwater photographer's dream and a perfect spot for novice divers and snorkelers. Bathed in constant sunlight, the structure is coated in colorful corals and sponges, attracting a dense population of juvenile reef fish that use the wreck for shelter. Exploring the Captain Moxey requires no special training, just a mask and fins, offering an easy and rewarding glimpse into a vibrant underwater world.

Marine Protected Area: Jewfish Cay Marine Reserve

Best Time to Dive in Long Island

The warmest water temperatures in Long Island occur in September, averaging 30.1°C. The coolest conditions are in January at 25.1°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

  • January: 25.1°C
  • February: 25.3°C
  • March: 25.5°C
  • April: 26.9°C
  • May: 28.1°C
  • June: 29.2°C
  • July: 29.9°C
  • August: 30.0°C
  • September: 30.1°C
  • October: 29.1°C
  • November: 27.5°C
  • December: 26.0°C

Nearby Dive Sites in Long Island

Marine Life in Long Island

Home to 366 recorded species including 321 reef fish, 15 hard corals, 7 whales & dolphins, 6 sea snails & nudibranchs, 5 sharks & rays, 4 other.

Notable Species

Recommended Packing List for CAPTAIN MOXEY

Based on average water temperature of 27.7°C, currents 12 cm/s.

  • Shorty or Rashguard - warm 28°C water needs minimal exposure protection
  • Mask - essential for every dive
  • Fins
  • BCD - buoyancy compensator
  • Regulator - your most safety-critical piece of gear
  • Dive Computer - tracks depth, time, and NDL
  • Surface Marker Buoy (SMB) - essential for boat pickups
  • Dive Torch - useful for crevices and colour at depth
  • Underwater Camera - capture your diving memories